• Source:JND
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Haryana News:  Defying all the exit poll predictions, Nayab Singh Saini-led Bharatiya Janata Party pulled a shocker in the Haryana assembly elections, defeating the pollsters' favourite Congress party, registering a clear majority as per the ECI data till 3 PM. It was 9 AM in the morning when initial trends flashed on TV screens, igniting celebrations at the Congress offices across the state as well as in Delhi, however, within a few hours the dice rolled and the deserted BJP offices became full of life with sweets and crackers adding to the celebrations.

The Congress leaders, who in the morning, were attributing the trends to Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra and the anger amongst farmers against the ruling party - later dismissed the results by pointing fingers at the EVMs. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh wrote a letter to the Election Commission raising apprehension on the slow updates in the counting data. He termed it as an attempt to pressure the local administration.

However, BJP's impressive poll performance in the northern state was not as far-fetched as it seemed. Here are a few probable reasons that worked against Congress and in the saffron camp's favour.

1. Congress Factionalism And Infighting

Since the start of its poll campaign, the plague of infighting marred the Congress party. The rebels who fought against their party compatriots dealt a severe blow to the party's electoral prospects, leading to its defeat on many seats.

Apart from that, the ruptures within the senior leadership in the Haryana Congress remained evident throughout the poll process. While Hoodas - Deepender and Bhupinder - were heading a separate camp, Kumari Selja and Randeep Surjewala led two others. The factionalism became evident even in the ticket distribution ahead of the polls.

2. Jat And Non-Jat Vote Consolidation

Another big reason for Congress's defeat could be attributed to the division of Jat and Non-Jat votes in the state. While the Bhupinder Hooda-led party focused on the Jat votes, BJP placed its bet on the Backward Classes and others. The change in guard months ahead of elections by the saffron camp helped it consolidate the non-Jat votes in the state.

3. Regional Players, Independents Emerges As Biggest Foe For Congress

Two regional parties, Dushyant Chautala's JJP and INLD, emerged as two vote cutters for the Congress. While JJP couldn't repeat its 2019 electoral success in the state, it still managed to infiltrate into the core Jat voters of the Congress.

4. Modi Wave

Prime Minister Modi's continued influence on voters remained a key factor for the stupendous poll win of the BJP. PM Modi did back-to-back rallies in the state and covered a vast area of the state to help party candidates present a good fight in an otherwise lost cause.

5. Coming Of Nayab Singh Saini And Schemes

The new Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini emerged as a dark horse for the BJP in Haryana. His arrival received a meek response even from inside the party, with leaders such as Anil Vij openly expressing their displeasure. However, the announcement of developmental projects in the last few months and the opening up of the recruitment vault helped him win the trust of the people despite apprehensions of anti-incumbency.